Lanre Ogunsola, Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State, has called an emergency meeting with key stakeholders from three Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) following a recent PUNCH Healthwise investigation into allegations that healthcare workers requested fuel from expectant mothers.
Array
According to an official statement released by Segun Soneye, Director of Information for the local government, the meeting with affected parties took place yesterday evening as part of the council’s efforts to address the issue promptly.
Ogunsola confirmed that a formal investigation has commenced to get to the root of the matter.
The PUNCH Healthwise report highlighted frequent power outages in PHCs across Ogun State, revealing that pregnant women arriving for delivery were asked to bring five liters of fuel—or the equivalent in cash—to power the centres’ generators.
The exposé, titled “Inside Ogun PHCs where health workers demand fuel from pregnant women before delivery,” published on Sunday, February 9, 2025, also uncovered a shortage of doctors and requests for candles and matches in some health facilities.
Reacting to the report, Ogunsola stated, “Obafemi Owode Local Government’s attention has been drawn to allegations reported by PUNCH Healthwise that some health officials at Magboro, Ibafo, and Mowe PHCs requested fuel or its cash equivalent from pregnant women before delivery.”
“We have invited all relevant parties, including affected expectant mothers, to fully investigate the claims and ensure any necessary corrective measures are taken.”
He assured residents that they can expect accountability and improved healthcare standards, vowing a fair and transparent inquiry.
Array
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, also condemned the actions detailed in the report. She told PUNCH Healthwise that no healthcare worker should ever ask pregnant women for fuel or candles, as the state’s PHCs are equipped with solar panels for consistent electricity.
She emphasized, “No woman should be asked to provide fuel for delivery. If such a request is made, please report it immediately to the PHC board, or contact me directly.”
Dr. Coker, an experienced Obstetrician Gynaecologist with over 30 years in the field, expressed her disappointment regarding the situation and reinforced her dedication to ensuring safe, high-quality delivery conditions for all mothers.
She added, “Our renovated PHCs have reliable water supply—usually via boreholes—and solar power solutions to guarantee there is always electricity available. Currently, the government is renovating 75 more PHCs and equipping them with solar panels.”
